Tesla Model Y Complaints (2021)

1,096 consumer complaints on file.

#11554140November 8, 2023
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became stiff and failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the master warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the firmware needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11553954November 7, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While in cruise control, car will randomly suddenly brake without warning or visible obstacle. This has been an ongoing problem ever since buying the vehicle in 2021. Very dangerous as it has happened on the highway. Is startling and causes seat belt locking. I have reported the issue to Tesla and it's apparently a "limitation of software". We usually do not use cruise control in the Tesla because of the dangerous of this, but I decided to try again recently in hopes they had fixed it but to no avail.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11553785November 6, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
driving from Albuquerque NM to Farmington NM, in approximately 1 1/2 hours of driving on hwy 550, 4 lane divided highway, encountered no less than 12 hard shadow breaking events. in all instances there were no vehicles, animals or debris in front of the vehicle. It was a cloudless day, starting around 9am, clear no fog, temperature in the 40's. high risk of being hit if a car was following close behind, incident has been reported to tesla, no inspection. there was no waring prior to all hard shadow breaking events.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11553698November 5, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
When travelling with adaptive speed control enabled the car will suddenly and violently decelerate 30 to 50 MPH below the set speed. This happens frequently and does not appear to correlate with anything specific. Sometimes it happens when passing a large white truck. Sometimes there is no other traffic anywhere near me. At the very least I would like Tesla to give me the option of disabling the "safety" features so the car operates like every other car with adaptive cruse control. This is not just me. Search the internet for Tesla phantom braking and you will find many instances going back years. It seems to be getting worse with each software update.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11552039October 26, 2023
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that after his daughter reversed the vehicle, bolts from the vehicle were discovered in the driveway. Upon inspection, it was discovered that two bolts from the driver's side suspension arm had separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed about an unknown TSB regarding the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 56,753.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11551428October 23, 2023
STEERING
I was backing up in a parking lot with steering wheel turned to the far right. Steering wheel started to shake then froze up. I could just barely turn it. I can't remember how I got it to work, maybe I had to restart the car. No one was at risk since it was just me in the car and I was going really slowly, but if it were on a street it could be risky. The dealer replaced a steering part and it seems OK now. There were no warnings ahead of time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11550996October 20, 2023
STEERING
While driving, steering wheel locked! Prior to locking there were no warnings. While wheel locked, warning popped up-“ steering assist reduced.” I was going up a curved parking garage ramp when wheel locked, I was unable to turn my vehicle causing my car hit curb, scraping my rims. Cars were honking behind me, there was no where to move. I was scared, causing me to have a panic attack. I had to turn off/on car twice for steering to go back to normal. I took vehicle to Tesla and had to pay $387 for diagnosis. I was 4,000 miles over warranty. Tesla is saying it could be a possible steering rack replacement and cost $2,500. Tesla will not pay for rim damage or pay for fixing the steering issue, which is a major safety problem. Tesla needs to do better!
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11550499October 17, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a recent experience with my 2021 Tesla Model Y, which is still under warranty. While using the vehicle, I observed an abnormal sound when reversing. After seeking Tesla’s service, I was informed that the rotors on my car needed replacement. What greatly concerns me is that, despite the car being under warranty, Tesla charged me an amount of one thousand dollars for this repair. It is essential to note that this malfunction wasn’t due to any negligence or external factors on my part. I have video evidence that captures the sound the vehicle made while reversing, further emphasizing the unexpected nature of this issue. My understanding of the warranty terms led me to believe that such unforeseen defects should be covered without any additional charges. It is deeply unsettling to be presented with such a significant expense for a problem that, in my view, should have been resolved under the warranty’s purview. I am reaching out to the NHTSA to shed light on this matter, as it brings forth concerns about the potential for similar experiences faced by other Tesla Model Y owners. I request the NHTSA’s assistance in investigating this incident to ensure consumers like myself are not unduly burdened with unjustified costs. Your attention to this matter is highly appreciated. I am hopeful for a just resolution that aligns with the NHTSA’s dedication to safeguarding consumers and ensuring vehicular safety standards. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549689October 12, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that, while attempting to enter the vehicle, he was unable to access it via the remote access key fob. Upon gaining access to the vehicle through the rear passenger door, it then failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact also stated that the battery management system had failed to properly notify him of the impending failure, either through the vehicle instrument panel or the Tesla vehicle phone application. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the battery management system and determined that the low-voltage battery required replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549107October 10, 2023
SUSPENSION
Upon arriving home last night with our 3 kids, my wife reported a loud clunking noise coming from the right front wheel area, and said the car felt unstable. After investigation I realized the bolts on the lower control arm have backed almost completely out. I’m very thankful they made it home safe. Any further driving could have been catastrophic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11548792October 7, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The LTE system for navigation stops working during normal commuting, the system helps with directions when in a town that this unfamiliar. I'm an insurance adjuster who counts on these systems working correctly. I have reviewed several sites and thousands of people are having the same problem. This become a safety issue if the car fails during normal commuting and the drive then becomes lost and is looking down to fix the problem or turns off the road because this system fails. This system is also connected to other system which create a since of failure within the vehicle its self. If you could please look into this issue. thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11547977October 3, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
Findings from Tesla technician: Verified customer concern for active low brake fluid level alerts. Technician performed a brake inspection and found the rear right brake hose is damaged due to incorrect hose routing. Found the hose is rubbing on the wheel arch liner. The brake calipers have been modified/painted. Technician recommends to replaced rear right brake hose and bleed entire brake system to remove air pockets. Removed and replaced right rear brake hose. Performed brake fluid flush. Performed brake pressure test and passed. Removed and replaced right rear wheel arch liner. Performed validation road test and verified repairs. Vehicle operations is normal at this time and no alerts are active. Further findings from Tesla technician: During brake fluid flush found left rear caliper mounting bolt is not installed. During brake fluid flush found left rear caliper mounting bolt is not installed. Installed new caliper bolt. Torqued both caliper bolts to factory specifications. Test drove vehicle. Verified repairs, operation is normal at this time and no alerts are present at this time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11547326September 29, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Main console computer spontaneously rebooted mid-drive. Ability to know vehicle speed is not possible during reboot. After reboot, the vehicle turn indicators would not activate and when I attempted to enter “park,”, the vehicle continued to indicate that it was in “drive.” It did not respond to the accelerator pedal after it was attempted to be set to “park,” so the vehicle state and the indicator remained inconsistent. Vehicle appears to have returned to normal operation after manual reboot.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11545893September 21, 2023
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously involved in a crash, and the air bags had failed to deploy. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, in severe stormy weather, the vehicle hydroplaned, and he lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the passenger's side quarter panel of the vehicle struck a pole, and the passenger's side of the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated there were no other vehicles involved. The contact stated he did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was totaled. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11545211September 18, 2023
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Had my front windshield replace by dealership. While driving home on highway from dealership I turned on super cruise and the car no longer followed the center of the lane. It moved over to the left and nearly ran into a neighboring car before I over rode the lane following with the steering wheel. On an empty section of the highway later I tested and it was now driving with its wheels on the left lane line, body and mirror extending over the line into the next lane. Dealership should have checked that or at least warned me to look out for it when I picked up the car. Called Tesla roadside assistance and person on the phone told me to recalibrate camera, which I did and it fixed the problem. Calibration of the front camera was thrown off when it was remounted on the new windshield. Obvious to me in hindsight, but it did not occur to me at all when I picked up the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11545032September 17, 2023
SUSPENSION
2021 Tesla Model Y LR AWD- RUCA (Right Upper Control Arm) started to creak and squeak (sound like a very old mattress). Dealer was contacted. An invoice was sent and was quoted an outrageous repair price. Deal was informed that this is a well known issue and a flaw in the built of the part. Dealer stated: Yes, we know but you still have to pay full price for parts and service. I left the dealer with vehicle disappointed. Still to this day, I’m driving it with this horrible noise hopping nothing catastrophic will happen while driving. Also, if it was a recall, I was never notified via email, postal or a phone call.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11544558September 14, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The 12-volt battery in the vehicle unexpectedly failed without any prior warning, contrary to Tesla's assurance that a warning should appear on the dashboard screen in advance to indicate the need for replacement. In our specific case, no such warning was given, resulting in the vehicle becoming inoperative. This situation could pose a significant safety hazard if the car had stopped in the middle of the road. On September 12, 2023, my son experienced an incident where he could open the driver's side door, but the dashboard screen went completely blank. Despite attempting to reboot the system, there was no response. After exiting the car and closing the door, we observed that the window did not behave as expected in typical situations, as it did not slide down when the door was closed. This unexpected malfunction led to the window breaking without any prior indication or warning from Tesla. The absence of any alert regarding this electrical failure is concerning, especially considering the potential danger if such an incident occurs on a busy highway. Regrettably, Tesla's service center has firmly asserted that the vehicle is no longer covered under warranty and has declined to provide any assistance or resolution for this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543817September 11, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Driving with cruise control on the car would suddenly brake for no reason. Sometimes it was just a quick brake for a second or two but multiple times the car braked hard enough to have things in the car fly off the seats. These incidents happened on 9/5/2023. Needless to say we didn't use the cruise control after that, we are just glad no cars were behind us at the time. If this helps, we did use cruise control on a trip on 6/24/2023 with no issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543411September 8, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On Wednesday, our 2021 Tesla Y - which we have LOVED driving for the last 3 years - took off on its own while I was sitting in traffic - where traffic was at a standstill, and the max speed was probably 4 MPH. Construction ahead had closed a lane, so there was a massive back-up and cars were creeping along each time the traffic light ahead turned green.) As any Tesla owner will tell you, the best way to slow down is to remove your foot from the gas pedal, and the car will slow down and come to a stop on its own. That had always been the case for our vehicle until Wednesday. Shockingly, for no reason at all, the car massively accelerated. I slammed on the brakes, but the brakes did not slow or stop the car. Luckily, the car in front of me was only 2 - 3 car lengths away, so my Tesla which was rapidly gaining speed stopped only when it crashed into that car. I have relatively minor injuries, but I am sure I would have been killed and/or killed others if not for the vehicle in front of me forcing my car to stop. After the crash, we flat-bedded the car to a Tesla-approved auto body shop. Our insurance adjuster will be inspecting the car on Monday. We will make the vehicle available for inspection. I am still shaken from this traumatic experience. I have never had a car accident (but for a fender bender over 40 years ago). Moreover, I have spent my life working in public service (govt, elected officials and nonprofits). I am determined to make sure that this safety problem is fully investigated and repaired - as our roads are not safe until it is fixed.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11543331September 8, 2023
WHEELS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Vehicle Fire - model y performance 2021, XXXXXXXXXXX Dear Tesla Customer Relations & CarMax, I am writing to express my deep concern and file a formal complaint regarding a serious incident involving my Tesla [model y performance ,, 2021, XXXXXXXXXXXXX], which caught fire on August 1st 2023 while in operation. This incident has raised significant safety concerns for me and my family and requires immediate attention and resolution. The vehicle fire occurred under normal driving conditions, and thankfully, no one was injured in the incident. However, the fire resulted in substantial damage to the vehicle and posed a significant risk to nearby properties and individuals. The incident has left me shaken and worried about the safety of Tesla vehicles. I have attached the following documents and information for your reference: I have been a loyal Tesla customer and have appreciated the innovative features and benefits that your vehicles offer. However, this incident has eroded my confidence in the safety and reliability of your products. I kindly request a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and an explanation of the circumstances that led to this incident. Additionally, I request information on any recalls, technical bulletins, or potential issues associated with the model of my vehicle. Furthermore, I urge you to take immediate action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in other vehicles. Safety should be the utmost priority for any automobile manufacturer, and I hope Tesla will take swift measures to address any potential risks. I understand that accidents can happen, but it is essential that Tesla demonstrates transparency, accountability, and a commitment to ensuring the safety of its customers. I expect to be kept informed about the progress of the investigation and any steps that will be taken to prevent future incidents. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and expect INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
1

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